Comedy Central launches stand-up, sketch hybrid
By: CC Hutten – A&E Editor
Adam Devine can be described in two words: predictably unpredictable.
The “Workaholics” co-creator, writer and star has concocted a devilishly inappropriate, obscene and downright hilarious breakthrough in comedy television. “Adam Devine’s House Party” is a debut stand-up and narrative sketch comedy blend to introduce up-and-coming comedians on Comedy Central.
The show’s plot is simple but brilliant: Comedy Central gives an exaggerated version of Adam Devine a buttload of money to throw a house party that features sprinkles of stand-up acts of new comedians throughout a scripted plot of Adam Devine getting into shenanigans and handling consequences poorly.
While his co-workers and friends from “Workaholics,” Kyle Newacheck, Anders Holm and Blake Anderson, are not strangers to the set of “House Party,” Devine said he does not, however, want his new show to end up becoming a behind-the-scenes “Workaholics.”
“This is sort of my thing that I’m doing outside of the group,” he said. “I didn’t want it to be too weird or too meta.”
Devine said he came up with the idea for a multi-platform show to stir things up from the way up-and-coming comedians were introduced in the past.
“You’d see these comics that you don’t know… for like five or six minutes, so you don’t really get to know them well enough,” Devine said. “You don’t really remember their names or anything. There has to be a better way to get to know the comedians outside of their performance.”
Liza Treyger, Josh Rabinowitz, Sean Donnelly, Brooks Whelan and Pete Davidson are some of the rising comedians featured in “House Party.”
He said his intention is to give new comedians who deserve a shot as actors on top of being funny stand-ups an opportunity for audiences to get to know them.
The first two episodes, “Ex-Girlfriend” and “Neighbor Party,” are dry and slightly morbid, but still unexpected. Humor from “Workaholics” definitely resonates in “House Party,” but that doesn’t make it any less side-splitting. Some of the jokes that come out of this man’s brain make me feel almost ashamed to be giggling like an idiot in the delicate glow of my lap top – almost.
Between outrageous binge drinking and cringe-inducing injuries on “Workaholics” and “House Party,” I’m surprised Devine hasn’t died yet. Devine himself is quick to agree.
Devine is going places, and not just next door to pee in the neighbor’s yard. He’s created a fresh outlet for comedy that gives new comedians the exposure they deserve.
“Adam Devine’s House Party” airs Thursdays at 12:30 a.m. on Comedy Central.